MEDIA RELEASE: DRHC COVID-19 TESTING

May 26, 2020

The Dryden Regional Health Centre is responding to the government of Ontario's recent directive to provide unrestricted access to testing for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). As of Monday May 25, 2020, any person who is worried that they have COVID-19, even if they don't have symptoms, can be tested through the DRHC COVID-19 Assessment Centre.

Following the initial phase of the government's approach to re-open businesses and services, the province has recorded more than 400 new cases of COVID-19 for the fourth straight day.

Initially, testing for COVID-19 was done on referral from the Northwestern Health Unit or primary care physicians. Understanding that a large proportion of people infected with COVID-19 do not have symptoms and are likely transmitting the disease unknowingly, testing strategies have changed to test essential workers as well as anyone who is worried that they have been exposed or have contracted COVID-19, even if they don't have symptoms.

Testing is available to individuals who are:

• Symptomatic (most common symptoms include fever, cough, difficulty breathing, muscle ache, fatigue, headache, sore throat, runny nose)
• Asymptomatic (without symptoms) but concerned about exposure to known or potential cases of COVID-19; or
• Asymptomatic and have risk from exposure in line of duty (essential workers, health care workers, etc.)

Individuals who want to be tested are required to book an appointment for testing at the DRHC COVID-19 Assessment Centre by emailing assess@drhc.on.ca. Those who are unable to email, can call the Assessment Centre (223-3737) for an appointment. Booking appointments for testing supports our efforts to maintain a physical distance of 2 metres (6 feet) between individuals

DRHC COVID-19 ASSESSMENT CENTRE

Contact: For an appointment, please email assess@drhc.on.ca.

If you're unable to email, please call 223-3737 for an appointment.

Location: Dingwall Medical Clinic Building (40 Goodall Street)

Entrance: First exterior entrance on the left (old Hearing Centre)

Entrance is marked. Do not enter the Dingwall Medical Clinic.

Hours: Open Monday to Friday

It is imperative that everyone remains focused on containing the spread of COVID-19 and stays diligent in avoiding gatherings, practicing physical distancing, good hand hygiene, appropriate cough and sneeze etiquette, and wearing masks when a 2 metre (6 feet) distance between people cannot be maintained.

Your role in helping us to contain the spread of COVID-19 is critical and we need your help. Please remain vigilant.

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For further information, please contact:

Doreen Armstrong-Ross
Chief Executive Officer
Dryden Regional Health Centre
Box 3003,
Dryden, Ontario P8N 2Z6
Telephone: (807) 223-8201 Extension 2260

 

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